Eight Tips for Finding the Best Blush for Mature Skin

(Last Updated On: January 9, 2023)

Finding the best blush for mature skin can be a challenge. Like just about everything else in and on our body, our midlife face continues to change as we age. But, with the right information and tips, as well as some patience while experimenting, you can soon look and feel your best!

We all want to know how to select the right hue or texture of blush that will bring out our best features while softening wrinkles and discoloration around our cheeks.

With these recommendations, it’s easier to choose a shade that flatters your complexion while giving you an age-appropriate pop of color. Read on to find out all the secrets for looking and feeling gorgeous at any age, and shop the recommended resources, too.

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What Happens to Our Skin as We Age?

As we age, our skin changes. Not new news for us, I know. But it’s worth mentioning because the state of our skin is the foundation for our choices in both skincare and makeup, including blush.

The refreshing glow of youth eventually fades into a world of wrinkles and sagging, and our rosy cheeks become thinned and give a pink haze. This can make finding the right shade of blush for mature skin somewhat challenging – after all, the bright peaches and pinks that worked so perfectly before simply look too heavy or flashy now.

You’ll find some simple steps to help you discover the best blush for your mature skin that also brings out its radiant colors. Here is your chance to embrace aging confidently and enhance your natural features with ease!

How to Choose the Right Blush for Your Skin Type 

Finding the right blush for mature skin can be intimidating, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect hue. You’ll find a number of recommendations here and they are organized by skin type, skin tone, face shape, and some special words for those of us with gray hair.

Your best bet is to read through all of the recommendations here and then decide which are most reasonable and applicable to your beautiful, mature face. It’s not an exact science or one-size-fits-all by any means, but it is possible to find that perfect blush for you.

For starters, those with normal to oily skin should consider something more matte, as it won’t enhance shine while still adding some subtle color. With a creamier formula, you’ll also want to make sure you set it with powder to maximize its staying power – bonus points if the powder has added skincare benefits.

Meanwhile, those with normal to dry complexions will benefit from a satin or dewy finish blush that helps give off a natural-looking glow.

And if you have combination skin, look for something light and long-wearing that gives a hint of vibrancy without looking too heavy or greasy. If in doubt about which blush is best for you, order a couple of samples and see how they look on your face before investing in larger quantities!

When deciding which color to choose it’s best to swatch them on your face rather than your hand as colors look very different in different lighting and depending on where they are applied.

Overall, choosing the blush that is right for you should be fun while still giving a hint of drama without overwhelming your face.

How to Select Blush Based on Skin Tone 

Finding the perfect blush for mature skin can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right know-how and selection tips, you can easily find the blush that complements your skin tone.

Begin by choosing hues that best flatter your unique skin color. Fair-skinned women should opt for peaches or pinks with golden undertones, while medium complexions look best with coral, mauve, or berry shades.

Women with dark complexions should go for tawny pink, deep burgundy, and bronze tints.

Applying your blush is just as important as choosing the correct color. Carefully blend in circular motions on top of the apples of your cheeks to add a healthy, vibrant glow. Don’t forget to use an angled brush to achieve a perfect finishing touch!

warm and cool tones

Determine whether your skin is warm or cool-toned by looking at the veins on the inside of your wrist in natural light – if they appear bluer, your skin is cooler-toned; if they appear more green, then your skin is warm-toned.

Once you’ve identified what type of tone you have, you can look for makeup that best complements your coloring: cool tones respond well to purples, raspberry, rose pinks, and plums, whereas warmer skin tones look great with fiery oranges and soft coral shades. With this in mind, you’ll soon be confident about finding and applying the ideal blush for your unique complexion.

gray hair and choosing the right blush

As you age, your hair color will change. If it’s gray, this can definitely have an impact on what shade of blush you wear. When choosing a blush for gray hair, reach for something that adds a rosy glow to your skin while helping to play up the cool tones in your silver strands.

If you’re like me, this means that the blush I used in the past when my hair was auburn is no longer flattering or appropriate. I never thought I’d reach for a pinky-peach toned blush, but here I am with my gray hair and pink blush!

Abundant pink and peach-toned blushes look great with silver and offer some dimension without looking clownish or unnatural. Additionally, soft plums are also flattering on cool toned complexions if you want to try something different.

As a woman in midlife, feel free to experiment and find the perfect hue that complements your unique beauty.

How to Apply Blush to Flatter Your Face Shape 

While all faces are unique, certain makeup techniques can flatter certain shapes better than others. To find the perfect blush for your face shape and age, consider these tips!

If you have a round face shape, reach for a blusher with a matte rather than shimmer finish. Apply very lightly and blend thoroughly, brushing from the temples toward the middle of your cheeks. This will help to slim down chubby features and create a slimmer look.

For those with thinner or longer face shapes – opt for light peach color in a matte finish. Swipe upwards across your cheeks to add width in the right places.

Experts recommend applying blush to cheekbones only if you have an angled face shape – like a square or diamond shape. Adding some creamy blush just beneath the cheekbone on either side of your face helps to “sharpen” your features and draw attention to their angles.

Whether you have an oval, round, long, or diamond-shaped face – make sure to apply no more than two shades of blush to avoid overdoing it.

The Best Blush for Mature Skin: Recommendations

Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Blush Powder

I can personally attest to the value and wearability of this blush, as I have been using it every day for months. And yes, I was really pleased to see it on the list of the top sellers in blush for mature skin.

Physicians Formula gives me just the right amount of color without being overdone.

• offered in four shades
• multi-colored blush palette
• formulated for sensitive skin
• created without any of the 150-plus known harsh ingredients found in other personal care items.
• budget-friendly and available to purchase online or at most retailers

LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Baked Blush-n-Brighten Marbelized Blush

While I have not used this blush personally, I do use Laura Geller’s Baked-n-Brighten Color Correcting Foundation and am very happy with the results. The baked formulas are handcrafted in Italy and are made for mature skin like ours. I may give this blush a try when it’s time for a new purchase.

• creamy texture and weightless feel
• handmade in Italy
• infused with antioxidants
• wakes up mature and dull skin
• small business brand

BOOM! by Cindy Joseph Cosmetics Boomstick Color – Lip & Cheek Tint Makeup Sticks

What I love about BOOM! Lip & Cheek color is that it is, well, lip and cheek color all in one. No worries about clashing between your blush and lipstick with this product!

I’ve used BOOM! products in the past and actually carry around a lip/cheek tint in my purse. It’s cream-based and lightweight, and can be applied on your cheeks, forehead, neck, etc, for a natural glow.

• simplify your makeup routine
• sheer cream
• works for any skin tone
• small business brand

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Blush

While I have limited experience using IT Cosmetics, they are a highly respected brand. What I like about this sheer powder blush is that it diffuses the look of pores and imperfections. And, it is offered in four universal shades that work with all skin types and tones.

• anti-aging ingredients: silk, hydrolyzed collagen, antioxidants & peptides
• sheer powder
• 4 universal shades for all skin types and tones
• small business brand

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Blush

Burt’s Bees is always a trusted name in my experience, so I’m confident in recommending their 100% Natural Blush. Made with natural ingredients, never tested on animals, and 3 shades to choose from.

• affordable pricing
• clean ingredients and cruelty-free
• natural looking powder
• available online or at most retailers

Additional Tips for Applying Blush Flawlessly

less is more

When working with mature skin, less is always more when it comes to blush. Bright colors can look overwhelming on older skin, so settle for a subtle shade that highlights your features without making you look clownish.

Also, remember to apply your blush in small amounts; if needed you can always add on but it’s much harder to subtract color from the skin that is already saturated.

Invest in products of quality – a higher price isn’t necessarily better, but opting for natural ingredients and avoiding artificial dyes makes all the difference – and have fun experimenting to find the right check-worthy flush.

complimentary colors for cheeks and lips

Choosing to wear lipstick and blush together in midlife can be intimidating due to the extra sensitivity of mature skin. However, when done correctly, it adds a beautiful pop of color that frames your face and accentuates your appearance.

To ensure a cohesive look, make sure you select a blush that complements your lipstick shade. A great place to start is finding a blush with a similar undertone as your lip color; if your lips have warm tones, pick a blush that has warm notes, and if they are cool-toned then opt for something with cooler shades.

When picking out the right hue, try to stay within one or two shades lighter than the color on your lips. For a bonus of subtly highlighting various features of your face like eyes and cheekbones, layer different shades of blush for defined dimension.

prime ruddy or red-toned skin

If you have a ruddy complexion, start with a primer to even out the skin tones before applying blush.

skin continues to change as you age

Yes, it’s true, my friend. You might very well find the perfect blush, or foundation, or skin care product and it will be absolutely wonderful for the next year, or two, or more. But over time your skin will continue to change, and you might find yourself back on the hunt for something that suits you better.

Conclusion

Finding the best blush for mature skin won’t turn back the clock, my friend. Nothing will. But, when you find a product that really works on your skin and helps you to feel beautiful and confident, that’s a winner every time!

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